Image: Untamed UK CONSUMER TECH UPDATEJanuary 2026
Page / 2 Consumer VC investment is growing againUK consumer tech startups raised $3B in 2025, up 25% on 2024ʼs total of $2.4B.Investment is growing again for the first time in four years, driven by late-stage rounds for a broad range of consumer startups, including in consumer hardware (Nothing), functional beverages (Trip), and a movie streaming platform (Mubi).UK consumer tech is worth a combined $367BUK startups operating in consumer markets have so far generated $185B in combined enterprise value.The most valuable cohort of consumer tech startups in the UK are under 10 years old, reaching scaled value earlier in their journey than older peers - value creation is accelerating.Source:Consumer tech in the UKThe UK has produced 57 consumer unicornsConsumer unicorns account for 29% of all UK $1B+ companies and exits. Some of the best known modern household names are homegrown tech companies, including Deliveroo, Just Eat, Octopus Energy, ASOS, Trainline, Boohoo, Depop, Skyscanner, Rightmove, Gymshark and Zoopla.Dealroom.co
“Weʼre delighted to present this overview of the UK Consumer sector in partnership with Dealroom. Despite some continued micro and macro headwinds the report shows that the Consumer sector continues to be a driver of UK PLC with increased investment overall year on year, although breakout investment is still seeing a more conservative appetite. “The UKʼs ability to punch above its weight in generating Consumer Unicorns and innovation in key sub sectors such as marketplaces/ecommerce, edtech, gaming and creative services puts it in a unique position globally. We at HSBC Innovation Banking are excited to support the sector to continue to drive innovation, grasp the opportunity and service the consumers of tomorrow.”John StewartDirector - Consumer, Venture & Growth
Page / 4 1Consumer tech in the UK 2Sector spotlightsPage / 4
Page / 5 UK consumer tech companies are worth a combined $185BThe most valuable cohorts of venture-backed startups are also the youngest. Companies founded between 2015 and 2020 have created the most value of any cohort. Value accelerated rapidly up to and during Covid, since which the ecosystem has settled, as venture capital has focussed back toward B2B opportunities.Source: Dealroom.co. Includes all B2C startups excluding fintech. Startups founded since 1990. Combined Enterprise Value - UK VC-backed Consumer Tech
Page / 6 UK consumer startups raised $3B in 2025, up 25% year on yearAfter three years of contraction, UK consumer startup investment is growing again.The return to growth is largely due to growth at late-stage investment stage, rounds of $100M+. While early and breakout investment has been relatively stable, they are still just below pre-Covid levels.Source: Dealroom.co. Includes all B2C startups excluding fintech.UK B2C venture capital...
